Glossary
5G: The fifth generation of mobile network technology, offering faster speeds and lower latency than earlier networks.
AI: Artificial intelligence -- computer systems built to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, like understanding language or recognising images.
Algorithm: A step-by-step set of rules a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.
API: Application programming interface -- a way for different software systems to communicate and share data with each other.
ASX: Australian Securities Exchange -- the country's primary stock exchange.
Autonomous vehicle: A vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating with little or no human input.
Biotech: Technology built on biological science, used in areas like medicine, agriculture, and diagnostics.
Blockchain: A shared, tamper-resistant digital ledger that underpins cryptocurrencies and other decentralised systems.
Chatbot: Software that simulates conversation with users, often powered by AI.
Cloud computing: Delivering computing services -- servers, storage, software -- over the internet rather than via local hardware.
Cryptocurrency: Digital currency secured by cryptography, typically running on a blockchain and independent of a central bank.
Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting computer systems and data from theft, damage, or unauthorised access.
Data centre: A facility packed with servers that stores and processes data for cloud computing and AI -- increasingly power-hungry as AI use grows.
Data privacy: The practice of protecting personal information from unauthorised access, collection, or use.
Deepfake: Realistic but fabricated audio, video, or images generated using AI, which can be used to mislead or impersonate.
Fintech: Technology used to deliver or improve financial services, like banking apps or payment platforms.
GPU: Graphics processing unit -- a chip originally built for rendering images, now widely used to power AI computation.
IPO: Initial public offering -- when a private company first sells shares to the public and lists on a stock exchange.
LLM: Large language model -- the type of AI system behind tools like ChatGPT, trained on huge amounts of text to generate human-like responses.
Machine learning: A branch of AI where systems improve at a task by learning from data, rather than being explicitly programmed for it.
Market capitalisation: The total value of a company's shares on the stock exchange, calculated as share price multiplied by the number of shares.
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A): Corporate transactions where companies combine or one company purchases another.
NASDAQ: A US stock exchange known for listing many major technology companies.
Neuromorphic computing: A computer chip design inspired by the structure of the human brain, aimed at more efficient AI processing.
Open source: Software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to view, use, or modify.
Quantum computing: A computing approach using quantum mechanics, potentially far faster than today's computers for certain problems.
Regulator: A government body responsible for overseeing and enforcing rules within a particular industry.
Robotics: The design and use of machines that can sense, plan, and act, often with some autonomy.
Semiconductor: The chips that power virtually all modern electronics, from phones to AI data centres.
Startup: A young company, typically in its early growth stage, often built around a new technology or business model.
Unicorn: A privately held startup valued at over US$1 billion.
Venture capital: Investment funding provided to early-stage, high-growth-potential companies in exchange for equity.